On Sept 25, the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held its eighth briefing session on issues of major concern in Beijing, focusing on developing the country's border areas and enriching the lives of local residents. Vice-chairmen of the CPPCC National Committee Hu Chunhua, Bater and Yang Zhen attended the meeting. 

Zhao Chenxin, vice-chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), briefed the meeting participants on the commission’s solid efforts to build a supportive policy framework for the economic and social development of the border areas, increase investment in key construction projects and refine targeted polices based on the different characteristics of each border section.

Joint efforts from various sides have led to a remarkable improvement in the development and connectivity capabilities in border areas, as well as in the level of opening-up, Zhao said. Significant progress has been made in the construction of border towns, which have promoted the prosperity of local people and stabilized the border regions.

He pledged that the NDRC will strengthen inter-departmental coordination and provide strong support to boost the construction and development of the country's border areas.

Duan Yijun, deputy director of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, told the meeting participants that the commission had formulated four action plans for vitalizing the border areas and enriching the lives of local people in the 11th to 14th Five-Year Plan periods from 2006 to 2025. Implementation of the plans has effectively enhanced the vitality of high-quality development in border areas, upgraded the quality of life of all local ethnic groups and promoted their awareness of the community of the Chinese nation.

Duan added that the commission will focus on cultivating an environment where border industries thrive, encouraging exchanges and integration among various ethnic groups, and promoting the modernization of governance in border areas.

Attending members of the CPPCC National Committee exchanged views with other participants on accelerating the construction of infrastructure and border checks, boosting border tourism and the education of standardized Chinese language, and increasing financial support. They also discussed how to facilitate public services and improve the living environment to retain talented personnel in border areas.